FLOOD ALERT: Amber Weather Warning for the borough

Meteorologists have placed the entire UK under a 24-hour Amber Rain warning from Wednesday 22 May to Thursday 23 May

The Met Office have issued an Amber Weather Warning for heavy rain expected to impact Blackburn with Darwen until noon on Thursday. Rain is expected to become heavy and persistent during this time.

The Environment Agency has also issued a flood alert.

Flooding is possible for River Ribble from Samlesbury and the River Darwen from Darwen including Blackburn, Preston, Walton-Le-Dale, Pleasington and Higher Walton.

What to expect:

• Delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are likely.
• Fast flowing or deep floodwater is likely.
• Spray and flooding probably leading to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
• Power cuts and loss of other services to homes and businesses.

What you should consider doing now:

• Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.
• Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.
• Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.
• Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.
• Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.
• In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.
• Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet.
• Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.
• Avoid using low lying footpaths and any bridges near local watercourses and do not attempt to walk or drive through flood water.
• Plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded

Keep yourself and others safe; prepare to avoid travelling by road during potentially dangerous road conditions. If you must travel, ensure you watch for possible danger and drive cautiously.

Who to contact:

• For sewers and burst water mains contact United Utilities: 0345 6722999
• BwDs emergency contact number for public drains or flooded roads, is 01254 585585.
• Contact the Environment Agency to report collapsed or badly damaged river banks, flooding from main rivers or the sea, main rivers blocked by a vehicle or fallen tree. Environment Agency Incident Hotline: 0800 80 70 60 or their flood line 0345 988 1188.